The city of Amsterdam is paying $35 million to Charles "Fats" Geerts otherwise known as the "Emperor of Sex" for 18 of his brothels. The city wants to turn his brothels, which are legal, into more mainstream housing and shops in an effort to reduce the concentration of prostitution in the area.
Implications - What the city is aiming to do is convert one-third of the space used for prostitution into about 51 storefront windows. It's an attempt for the city to reverse the degradation of city life that has occurred because of the high concentration of sex trade. With the brothels out of the way, the city of Amsterdam is hoping to create opportunities for other types of businesses.
City of Amsterdam Buying Up Brothels; Plan to Convert to Retail
City Of Amsterdam Buying Up Brothels; Plan To Convert To Retail
Trend Themes
1. Conversion of Prostitution Spaces - Opportunity for innovative businesses to repurpose former brothels into retail stores or housing units.
2. Redevelopment of City Life - Potential for disruptive innovation in creating new urban spaces and improving the overall quality of life in cities.
3. Diversification of Business Opportunities - Opening up possibilities for various industries to establish themselves in the area previously dominated by the sex trade.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate - Real estate developers can capitalize on the opportunity to renovate and repurpose former brothels into desirable properties for housing or retail purposes.
2. Retail - Retail businesses have the chance to take advantage of the newly available storefront windows and establish themselves in the area.
3. Hospitality - Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments can see potential in the redevelopment of the area, attracting a new clientele to the neighborhood.